Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What do I need to bring?

In Rishikesh, there is nothing like a dress code you have to follow. So just bring comfortable clothes for the yoga practice. In the school, we have yoga mats and other equipment so you don´t have to worry. Be aware that for visiting some temples you will need clothes that cover your shoulders and long pants.

How many students are there in the Yoga TTC classes/courses?

We accept 10 to 15 students in each course of Yoga TTC.

Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

Most of the general items you will need during your stay in India (or their equivalent) can be easily found in the nearby shops around the corner from our yoga school. What we suggest you remember to bring is any specialty item that you can’t live without, like a specific personal care item or favorite snack from your country.

Weather In Rishikesh

How is the weather?

Summer Season (March-June) :These months constitute the summer season in Rishikesh where June is the hottest month with temperatures rising up to 35 °C. Expect a sunny weather with temperatures around 20 °C to 35 °C. Bring fresh clothes =).

Winter Season (October-February) :These months constitute the winter season in Rishikesh and see an average temperature of 8°C to 24°C. January is the coldest month in Rishikesh and it is advisable to carry warm clothes.

Monsoon Season (July-September) :These months constitute the winter season in Rishikesh and see an average temperature of 16°C to 26°C. Rainfall is normal at this time. Humidity is quite high and the temperature at the place gets down from the summer peaks.

Travel & Transportation

Is it safe to travel alone to Rsihikesh?

Yes, it is safe to travel alone to Rishikesh, many tourists do it. It might be a bit challenging to travel by local buses or trains sometimes if you are never been to India before, as its very different from other parts of the world.

Will you handle travel arrangements for me once I arrive in India?

Yes, with advanced notice we will arrange transportation for you to Rishikesh directly from the airport, bus or train station. Upon arriving in Rishikesh we will help you with directions for walking a short distance to our school.

Arrival & Departure

In order to attend the orientation program, one should arrive at least a day before starting of the course. On the first day at 10:30 am the Course will start with yoga ritual. On last day of the course, graduation ceremony takes place and it finishes by 11:30 am, therefore, departure should be planned one day after completion of the course.

How do I arrive to the school?

Arrival by airplane: The nearest international airport is New-Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. For those who choose to continue their way by air, there are currently domestic flights to nearby Dehradun, operated by Air India, Jet Airways and Kingfisher. From there it is less than an hour drive by taxi to Rishikesh.

Arrival by bus: Buses to Rishikesh leave New-Delhi from the Kashmiri Gate National Bus Stand approximately every hour. The bus ride takes about 7-8 hours and costs around IRs.450 for A/C buses & IRs.250 for Non-A/C.

Arrival by taxi: Taxis are always available anywhere in India. The drive from Delhi to Rishikesh will take around 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Arrival by train: The best option is to reach Haridwar Train Station, about 45 minutes away from Rishikesh by road on a driven taxi or the so called tuktuks. From Delhi, the train ride takes mostly between 5 to 8 hours, depending on the train. Haridwar is serviced by many trains from/to Delhi, Varanasi, Rajasthan, Amritsar, etc.

Payments

How should I pay my course fee?

Yoga Vidya Mandiram Yoga School offers you different payments options; pay with PayPal, quick Bank Transfer and Debit Credit Card. However we kindly make a suggestion of paying the remaining balance by cash, or through online banking as it is the most convenient way for both of us. As transactions made upon arrival at the school by credit or debit card has extra charges of 4% of the course fee as the conditions and policies of Reserve Bank of India.
To pay the deposit fee by PayPal is appropriate, but Yoga Vidya Mandiram Yoga School doesn’t accept full payments by PayPal as it is 5% extra charges for us accordingly to India PayPal fees and policies.

Which kind of visa do I need to apply for?

Students should apply for tourist visa as it is easy and granted from indian embassy shortly, purpose of visit in india should be yoga retreat or ayurveda retreats. Students may give our school address as well as contact number as an indian reference. Contact details of Indian embassy in your country can be found. In general, visa expiry date is counted from the day visa is issued. Please verify it with the concerned embassy. Try to apply for your visa at least 2 or 3 weeks before your travel date.

Is it possible to make any changes about the booking after I made it?

Yes, if there is any personal issues, so in case we are able delay the dates of your course. The advance of the course fees are non-refundable, only in the case of emergency students can join us on other schedules

Can I use my credit card to pay the remaining course fee in Rishikesh?

We are accepting credit card payments for booking amounts. Remaining fees can be paid either in cash or by TCs. If you opt for paying your remaining fees by credit card then additional 1.75% will be charged as transaction fee. You can also use your ATM debit cards (Master/Visa/Electron) to withdraw cash in Rishikesh.

How much do I need to pay for food and accommodation?

You don’t need to pay extra money as our course fees includes food and accommodation. You’ll be provided a shared room with all the basic amenities like attached bathroom, 24 hours water supply, hot water heater, bathing shower, Wardrobe and so on.

School & Certification

How can I become a certified yoga teacher or yoga instructor?

To become a certified yoga teacher, you must successfully complete a yoga teacher training course and show competence in your ability to teach a yoga class. Find out what the suggested minimum requirements for yoga teachers are at: www.yogaalliance.org.The yoga alliance page also lists training programs and yoga schools that meet their minimum standards.

Will it be too advanced for me to attend the Yoga TTC?

The YTTC are suitable for everyone as we committed to teach you from the very root of yoga thru all aspects, so experience are not necessary.

Food & Accommodation

I am vegan. Are the food you serve suitable for vegans?

Food provided at our center is 100% vegetarian, not vegan. You will need to inform us in advance so our chef can prepare food for you especially.

What if get sick during my course?

If you are sick, injured or in need of medical assistance, we will provide you with medical care or take you to a western-style hospital (whichever option is needed). And in this case we will find alternatives for you in order to be able to finish the course.

I am taking medications. I’ll be able to get it in India?

Yes, India hospitals has the same facilities as Western countries, might be not the same brand, but you’ll be able to get it here as well.

Do I need to be careful about eating food in India?

We have taken extra precautions by hiring a dedicated staff to prepare each and every meal at the school from fresh ingredients. Eating outside of school is pretty safe in the restaurants at Rishikesh. If your stomach is sensitive, you should beware of eating street foods.

FIND US ON

Important Links

Yoga Vidya Mandiram is a registered Yoga School centered in the magical Himalayan valley of Rishikesh, India. This is dedicated to restore, explore and impart the purest form of yogic knowledge and its science.

Our Yoga School aims to bring forth and maintain the yogic values to their ancient and traditional purity as taught by the yogis of the Himalayan masters. Thus our Yoga School stands a bridge between pure and traditional form and the contemporary format of yoga and meditation learnings